Once a leafy aerodrome for 19th-century hot-air balloons, the grand château now known as Saint James Paris has undergone many metamorphoses—first a foundation for scholars, then a refined gentlemen’s club, and today, the capital’s only château-hotel. Quietly nestled in the leafy 16th arrondissement, this ivy-clad estate is a rare marriage of aristocratic opulence and conscious wellness—a poetic escape for travellers seeking stillness without sacrificing style.
Location
Tucked within a genteel residential enclave just minutes from the Arc de Triomphe and Trocadéro, Saint James Paris, A Relais & Châteaux property, places you within walking distance of the Bois de Boulogne’s parkland trails and the tranquil greenhouses of Jardin des Serres d’Auteuil.
Unlike the overt glamour of the Champs-Élysées or the tourist throng of Montmartre, this address offers a gentle Paris—one conducive to breathwork, journalling, or a morning jog beneath tree-lined boulevards. One can also explore the city’s nearby cultural offerings, including the Fondation Louis Vuitton and the Musée d’Art Moderne.
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Accommodation
No two rooms are alike at Saint James Paris, a detail that speaks volumes about its commitment to authenticity over uniformity. Each of the 50 keys—22 rooms and 26 suites—has been individually envisioned by celebrated designer Laura Gonzalez, with maximalist grace and restorative calm existing in perfect synchrony. One room might be cloaked in Japanese-inspired panoramic wallpapers, another softened by floral 18th-century motifs and velvet upholstery in muted jewel tones.
Throughout, there’s a palpable sense of narrative: vintage books stacked beside asymmetrical nightstands, sculptural ceramics catching the morning light, and Versailles-style parquet flooring underfoot. For those desiring more space or seclusion, pavilions, villas and serviced apartments are also available—ideal for extended wellness stays or quiet creative retreats.
The Guerlain Spa
Spread across two stories and 400 serene square metres, the spa is an architectural marvel—crowned by a glass-roofed 15-metre pool where swimmers can backstroke beneath the Parisian sky. A Greco-Roman ambiance flows through vaulted stone arches, punctuated by a show-stopping bas-relief by artist François Mascarello.
Signature treatments—like the Imperial Relaxing Massage or the restorative Honey Repair Facial—use Guerlain’s heritage formulations and are administered with reverent precision by a team of expert beauty coaches. A hammam, sauna, whirlpool and quiet zones complete the offering, ensuring a sensory reset whether you arrive jetlagged, deadline-weary, or simply in need of deep rest.
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Fitness & Movement
Not all Parisian gyms are equal, and Saint James’s private fitness studio is more sanctuary than sweatbox. Open from early until late, the space includes Technogym equipment, a multipurpose bench, a disc set, skipping ropes, and yoga mats. Private coaching sessions are available upon request. It’s a discreet but effective space, free from the hustle of larger hotel gyms, inviting intentional movement at one’s own pace.
For guests craving outdoor exertion, complimentary bicycles await near the gates, perfect for pedalling to the nearby Bois de Boulogne or along the Seine. There’s even an electric Smart car on offer for sustainable city exploration, and free EV charging onsite for guests arriving in electric vehicles.
Dining
At Bellefeuille, wellness begins with the soil. Helmed by Chef Grégory Garimbay, this Michelin-starred restaurant (one Red Michelin and one Green Michelin) champions a vegetable-forward, iodine-rich menu rooted in sustainability and artistry.
The Terrace, open from May to September, is set under the majestic, Versailles-green gazebo. For a lighter afternoon option, Tea Time (served Friday to Sunday) offers a playful yet refined take on French pâtisserie, with peanut “entremets,” rhubarb tarts, and tartare-style sandwiches that feel indulgent but never excessive.
Far from the smoky club of its past, the Library Bar today retains the grandeur of its academic roots while embracing a lighter, botanical elegance. Leather-bound tomes, velvet settees, and warm wood panelling cradle you like a favourite winter novel.
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Overview
Set in a hushed pocket of the 16th arrondissement, the hotel blends old-world grandeur with a quietly confident eco-conscious ethos. There’s organic, seasonal fare on the menu, a spa that leans into holistic healing, and enough green space to make you forget you’re still in the city. It’s the perfect escape for those who want to be close to Paris’ happenings, without being overwhelmed by the crowds.
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